7 Things we've learned from Manchester United's pre-season so far

School's out: It might be the summer holidays, but we've still learned something (Image: Justin Edmonds)

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After scoring 10 goals in two games so far, Louis van Gaal is yet to be beaten as Manchester United manager.

But it has been a mixed bag as far as the Dutchman is concerned, with the new Red Devils boss praising their 'beautiful goals' but lamenting their 'failed' passing against Roma.

Here's what we've learned from Manchester United's pre-season so far...

The new system works - we think

The biggest conundrum for Louis van Gaal when taking over at Old Trafford was how to balance an incredibly squad.

Loaded up with a wealth of attacking options through the central channel, Man United are enduring a far from vintage spell when it comes to their wingers, and they were often disastrous at the back under Moyes.

Louis van Gaal has brought in his now-signature Dutch system, finding a way to accommodate his attacking options while also building a more solid back line.

But there's room for improvement

As stated by Van Gaal, Man United were far from perfect against Roma, and perhaps should have come away with a more comfortable win after leading 3-0 at half-time.

Errors were made in familiar areas, with Cleverley being caught in possession, and Tyler Blackett misjudging a long ball which almost led to a goal from Mattia Destro.

The system relies on meticulous and measured patrol of the back line, where back three becomes a back five when under pressure.

The last thing Manchester United fans want is another season full of defensive errors, eliminating this tendency will be the first thing on LVG's list.

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Cleverley's last chance

Yes Tom Cleverley captained Manchester United last night, but we probably shouldn't make too much of that decision.

He was one of only two players due to play the full 90 minutes, and on paper, having been at the club for five years and being given a commanding role to play against Roma in United's midfield, he was the logical choice to wear the armband.

All Manchester United fans will want to see Cleverley fulfill his promise, and if LVG puts faith in him, he will have no more excuses.

This is a big season for Cleverley.

(Image: John Peters)

He's a breath of fresh air

Louis van Gaal's influence extends beyond United's new 3-5-2 system on the pitch, with players desperate for a chance to impress their new boss during their tour of the USA.

The players are keen to impress in training, and even in the team hotel.

It's in stark contrast to last season, which saw regular rumours of frustration and rebellion among the squad at Old Trafford.

LVG commands respect

"He's a man who requires a lot of respect, and we give him that because of what he's done. He's a man we can learn a lot from."

That's what Chris Smalling said about his new boss after Manchester United's win against Roma in Denver.

It's the "because of what he's done" bit that's particularly interesting, suggesting that perhaps the United players were never quite on board with the idea of being managed by a man with, erm, slightly less silverware to his name last season.

(Image: Matthew Peters)

It'll be tough at the top

We don't have that much evidence to go on at the moment, but Manchester United certainly look a much better prospect under LVG, who, unlike Moyes, has a clear idea of the way he wants his team to play.

With Arsenal bringing in Sanchez, Liverpool making a host of new signings, Man City looking likely to keep hold of their star players, and Chelsea bringing in two world class strikers, competition for Champions League places could be stronger than ever this season.

Let's not forget Tottenham, who have been playing some superb football in pre-season under Pochettino, and Everton, who ran Arsenal close for a place in the top four last term.

It's not all good news

Louis van Gaal's new system won't be able to accommodate ALL of United's rising young stars, and it looks as though Wilfried Zaha might be one star struggling to impress his new boss.

After being shipped out to Cardiff last term, the young winger is the only Manchester United player on the club's pre-season tour not to play a minute of football so far.